Should I change my car to fit in with the new neighborhood? - Page 2

[pbjmama]

I understand your husbands point. But I would not change my car. We have the only foreign car on our block and people do notice.

[justmama]

are you kidding?  I would never presume to think that my car "makes" me who I am or makes someone else who they are.  I drive a 7year old used toyota.  What does that make me????  Who knows?  I would never change my car so people would like me.  First impressions, I get that.  But if someone is judging me based on my used toyota, I don't really want to be friends with them anyway.  If you are in a neighborhood with broken glass and used needles on the street and you are driving a Mercedes, I might think you took a wrong turn somewhere and are lost.  But if you are driving your Mercedes down the street and parking in front of a $300K home, I'd say you are right at home.  Truthfully, I don't look at what kind of car is in the driveway of a home when my kids go on a playdate.  If just doesn't matter because the car doesn't make the man or woman.

[goldenwillow]

Originally Posted by JessicaRenee 

Is this a joke?

[onlyzombiecat]

No. If you like your car and it works for you I see no reason to change to a mini-van or SUV because other people have them. If you and your kids are friendly are friendly then people won't think you are stuck up no matter what car you have.

I don't really notice or care what cars my neighbors are driving most of the time.

[Drummer's Wife]

This is funny b/c I need to buy a Mercedes to fit into my neighborhood.    I drive an older subaru with 234K miles on it, and live in an upper-class neighborhood where I feel like every other person owns a lexus (or similar).  DH teases me when I make comments about wanting a luxury vehicle to fit it -though, really, I am kidding (I pine for a Mazda 5, which is neither fancy nor expensive).  I make sure to drive real fast and quickly park my shameful car in my 3-car garage before anyone notices. 

I'd be happy to trade vehicles with you, if it makes you feel any better. 

[velochic]

I just wanted to add... we live in an older neighborhood.  Most of the people who live here are retired middle/lower-middle income people (some are obviously on fixed incomes).  The average home price is probably around $100K.  We have a Mercedes (yes, they are very well-built machines and are frugal in the long run) and not even one single time has anyone commented or pre-judged us.  Our next door neighbors, with whom we have become very close, drive cars manufactured in the 1980's that have been patched together again and again (the husband is super handy).  We no more judge them by what they drive than they do us.  Had we done so, we seriously would have been missing out on a great friendship.  I'm sorry, I just can't get over the foolishness of this.

[happysmileylady]

I don't think I have ever heard of someone suggesting moving down in car to "keep up with the Joneses."

Which makes me wonder if your DH really meant "fit in," and wasn't actually meaning something different.

Like perhaps he's worried that your car will stick out like a sore thumb and make your car and/or house a target for thieves?

Or, maybe what he really thinks the car is more money than you can afford and wants to get rid of it, but was afraid to actually say that so he used "fit in" as an excuse?

[fierrbugg]

While I personally have never cared about the cars my neighbors have (living in similar neighborhoods as the one the OP mentioned) - I'm sure that people do judge.  Reminds me of a story that my pastor told about when his family started driving an Escalade.  Some people in the church assumed he was spending money wildly and frivolously and called him out assuming he'd purchased the car when in fact the car had been donated to his family of 6.  Prior to that they were taking double trips to get everyone everywhere in their small car (also donated).  So, the question is are you going to let the lemmings decide how you live your life - or are you going to live your life the way you see fit?  Imho if your car is paid off or even close, then keep it.  It will last nearly forever and when all of your neighbors are buying brand new cars in a few years, and you're still driving old faithful it will all even out as far as appearances and your dh are concerned.  My car has been paid off for several years and I will drive that thing until it literally falls apart around my ears.  Not to have that car payment hanging over me every month is awesome.  Plus an oil change or new battery is hardly catastrophic when you aren't already paying $600 a month for the thing. 

[HollyBearsMom]

First of all  yeah that to everyone said this is the most ridiculous things they have heard in awhile and it must be some kind of joke.

I also I don't see how a 2007 Mercedes would be perceived as "better" or more stuck up than a new mid size SUV or minivan.  Have you seen some of the new minivans?  You can practically live in them. Heck I am sure some of them cost more than what you paid for mercedes.

[Ruthiegirl]

I get where the OP is coming from -- my neighbors drive really nice cars and they have been targeted for break ins...three times now.  They have a new security system and have had no problems since installing it.  In my small town where poverty is quite real for many families, an open display of wealth seems to invite crime and resentment.  

[phathui5]

No, I would not change my car to fit into a neighborhood.

[SoCaliMommy]

 I wouldn't change it to fit in.   I will admit though when we  recently moved and i saw a hummer parked in the parking lot at my daughter's new school my first thought was they must be rich or something, we live in a area where the average home ranges in the $120 area and up.

[NightOwlwithowlet]

I'd just assume you have a nice car.  We live in a working class/lower middle class neighborhood.  Some of our neighbors drive big expensive trucks (he's contractor), some drive old cars from the 1990's, most drive mid sized American made sedans or SUVs from 2005 to 2010.  Sometimes, someone will get Lexus or a Saab.  There might be a comment or two, but no one really cares.  We bought 2008 Hundai Accent recently.  One neighbor commented on how little it was and it must get great gas mileage and said, it was a good thing we had little dogs.  Two others mentioned it was a cute car and they had a relative/friend who loved their Accent.  In our neighborhood, you're judge by the state of your lawn and hedges and how respectful your kids are to adults.  We are crunchy, home schooling, liberals with a huge garden in our side yard.  No one really seems to care as long as our sidewalk is shoveled in the winter and the grass is mowed in the summer.  Our son has lots of friends, we are invited the neighbors' houses often, and when DH travels, the neighbors are always there to help me with the car, or the plumbing, or the snow.  We do the same for them.